Timing control



Aug- 11, 1942- M. KERsTEN A2,292,380

TIMING CONTROL Filed Feb. 15, 1940 s sheets-sheet 1 @U /Ns [Il L@ Y l INVENTOR. 5/2//0/77/5 @ff/76502 2m/www4@ ATTORNEYS Aug. 11, 1942. M, KERSTEN. 2,292,380

TIMING'j-CONTROL Filed Feb. 15, 1940 3 SheebS-Sh'eet 2 -1NVENTOR- ATTORNEYS Aug. 11,` 1942. M. KERSTEN 2,292,380

TIMINGgCoNTRoL ATTORNEYS Patented Aug. l1, 1942 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TIMING CONTROL Morris Kersten, Chicago, Ill.; Sarah B. Kersten executrix of said Morris Kersten, deceased 13 Claims.

anism without affecting the time period for which the timing mechanism is set; means assuring quick exhaust of the trapped pressure fluid, at the end of the predetermined time period, in a manner to assure release of the controlled mechanism; and means for optionally operating, for testing purposes, the timing control means without admission of pressure fluid to the pressure Huid operated operating means. Further objects and advantages of my invention will appear from the detailed description.

In the drawings:

lFigure 1 is a front view of a timing mechanism embodying my invention, taken in a plane parallel with and in front of the front plate of the mechanism, the setting shaft being shown in section;

Figure 2 is a left-hand side view of the mechanism of Figure 1, certain parts being broken away and shown in section;

Figure 3 is a right-hand side view of the mechanism of Figures 1 and 2;

Figure 4 is a sectional view, taken substantially on line 4 4 of Figure 2, certain parts being shown in elevation and certain other parts being broken away;

Figure 5 is a sectional View, taken substantially on line 5-5 of Figure 1, with certain parts broken away and certain other parts shown in elevation, certain parts being omitted for clearness of illustration;

Figure 6 is a front view of an enclosing housing and the timing control means embodying my invention mounted therein, the cover of the housing being in major part broken away, this View also showing the manual control for the controlled mechanism and the connections thereof to the timing control means, and associated parts;

Figure 'l is a sectional view, taken in a central vertical plane, through the diaphragm chamber of the diaphragm valve, parts being shown in elevation;

Figure 8 is a view, partly in elevation and partly in section, of the solenoid exhaust valve comprised in th-e timing control means of my invention; Y

Figure 9 is a circuit diagram of the timing control means; and

Figure 10 is a side view of an ironing press with the timing control means of my invention applied thereto.

The timing mechanism, illustrated in Figures l to 5, inclusive, includes a suitable mounting frame comprising front and back metal plates II and I2, respectively, spaced apart by brass posts I3, I4, I5 and I5 in a known manner. The two upper posts I3 and I4 are Ielectrically insulated from plates I I and I2, in a known manner, and the two lower posts I5 and I6 are similarly electrically insulated from back plate II.

A synchronous motor I8 is suitably mounted on a gear housing I9 secured in any suitable known manner to plate II at the back thereof. Housing I 9 contains suitable reduction gearing for driving, from motor I8, a drive shaft 20 having suitable bearing in a tubular extension 2I of housing `I9 and through plate II. A disc 22 is mounted on shaft 20, at the forward end thereof, and is connected thereto for rotation therewith, conveniently by means of a set screw 23. Disc 22 is spaced from a driven contact arm 24 having a tubular hub 25 loose on shaft 20 and confined between plate II and a light bowed leaf spring 26 tting loosely about shaft 2U, with its terminal portions bearing against the rearward face of disc 22. Arm 24 is provided, at its outer end, with two contact members 2l, 28 directed transversely and lengthwise of arm 24, respectively, these contact members being carried by a stud 29 extending forward from arm 24 at the outer end thereof.

A torsion spring 3B is wound spirally about the rearward end portion of hub 25 and is confined, in major portion, between the forward face of plate II and a thin collar 3| tting about reduced rearward portion 25a of hub 25. The outer end of spring 30 is anchored to plate II by means of a tab 32 struck forward from this plate. The inner end of spring 3D is anchored in a slot 33 extending from the rearward end of reduced portion 25a of hub 25. Spring 30 urges arm 24 in a counter-clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 4, in which the arm is shown in its normal or initial position. Movement of arm 24 in counterclockwise direction, beyond the position shown in Figure 4, is prevented by a stop member in the form of a tab 35 struck forward from plate II, and a stud 36 extending rearward from arm 24, spaced a somewhat greater distance from the outer end of this arm than the stud 29 and disposed to contact tab 35. This will be clear from Figure 2, in which the tab 35 and the stud 36 are shown in cooperating relation for maintaining arm 24 in its position shown in Figure 4. It will be seen that the contact arm 24 is electrically grounded to plate II, is yieldably held by torsion spring 30 in its initial position shown in Figure 4, and is movable from the latter position in one direction, clockwise as viewed in Figure 4.

Arm 24 is provided, a short distance from each end thereof, with a disc 31 of rubber or other suitable material appropriately mounted on and secured to this arm. In the normal position of arm 24, axially of shaft 20, discs 31 are spaced from the rearward face of the motor driven disc 22, as shown in Figure 2. The rearward face of the latter disc is flat or planar for contact with the friction discs 31. A clutch lever 38, conveniently formed from a suitable length of brass strip bent intermediate its length to provide a fulcrum element 39, which bears upon the forward face of plate II, is provided at its inner end with a fork 40 which straddles hub 25 of arm 24. The arms of fork 40 are provided with forwardly extending fingers 4I which bear, at their forward ends, against the rearward face of a collar 42 disposed loosely about hub 25 at the rearward face of arm 24. When the outer end of lever 38 is moved rearward, toward plate II, arm 24 is moved forward, in opposition to leaf spring 26, sufficiently to bring the friction discs 31 into contact with the rearward face of the motor driven disc 22, effective for clutching arm 24 to disc 22. In that manner the contact arm 24 is driven with disc 22 in clockwise direction as viewed in` Figure 4, so long as lever 38 remains in its operative or clutching position. Upon release of the outer end of lever 38 arm 24 is moved rearward away from disc 22 by leaf spring 26, being thus declutched` from disc 22 and returned to its normal position axially of shaft 26. Arm 24 is also turned counterclockwise about shaft 20, by means of the torsion spring 30, when declutched from disc 22, so as to be returned to its initial position radiallyl of shaft 20, shown in Figure 4. It Will be seen that disc 22 and arm 24 are thus mounted on shaft for relative movement, axially thereof, the disc being drivenvwith the shaft and means being provided for imparting relative movement to the disc and the arm, one toward and away from the other, for clutching the arm to and declutching it from the disc.

A setting arm 44 is suitably secured on the rearward end of a setting shaft 45 rotatably mounted through a bearing bushing 46 secured through front plate I2 and electrically insulated therefrom in a known manner. Shaft 45 is confined against lengthwise movement through bushing 46 by the arm 44 and by a split key 41 (Figure 5)y of known type, engaging in a circumferential groove 48 in the shaft and contacting the forward end of bushing 46. The setting shaft 45 also extends through a plate 49 mounted on plate I2 and supported a short distance in front thereof by means of spacing posts 50, in a known manner. Plate 49 is provided with a series of threaded openings 5I arranged in a circle concentric with shaft 45. These openings are adapted for reception of a reduced threaded stud 52 at the rearward end of a stop pin 53, for securing the latter to plate 49 in any desired angular relation to shaft 45 andv extending lforward from this plate. An arm 54 is secured to shaft 45 at the forward face of plate 49, conveniently by means of a set screw 55, shown in Figure l, arm 54 being of proper length to contact pin 53 and thereby limit turning of shaft 45 in clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 1, to the extent determined by the position of pin 53. In one embodiment of my invention, the timing mechanism is disposed within a suitable box-like casing 51, shown in Figure 6, having a removable cover 58 through which setting shaft 45 extends. A dial plate 59 is suitably secured on the outer face of cover 58 and is provided with a scale comprising a series of graduations 60 arranged in a circle concentric with shaft 45, these graduations being numbered in multiples of five. The distance between any two adjacent graduations represents a predetermined time interval. It may be assumed, for purposes of description, that this distance corresponds to one second, and that the disc 22 is driven from the motor I8, through the reduction gearing, at such speed that this disc is turned through one complete revolution in one minute. A pointer 6I is suitably secured upon the outer end of setting shaft 45 for movement over the outer face of plate 59. This pointer is set at 10 seconds on the scale 60, in the position in which it is shcwn in Figure 6` The spacing of the openings 5| in plate 49 correspond, with respect to time intervals, to the spacing of the graduations of scale 60. If it be assumed that it is desired to set the arm 44 at the 10 second point of scale 60, pin 53 is secured in the corresponding opening 5I of plate 49. That prevents turning of setting shaft 45 clockwise beyond the desired point, and by turning the shaft in that direction as far as permitted by pin 53 and arm 54, the indicator 6I will be positioned at the desired point of the scale 60. If desired, dial plate 59 may be supported from plate 49, in the same manner in Which the latter plate is supported` on plate I2, and cover 58 of casing 51 may be provided with an appropriate opening to accommodate plate 59 or to expose scale 60 and accommodate the indicator 6I. That is an obvious variation which requires no illusralticn and need not be described in greater de- Movement of setting arm 44 in counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 4, beyond zero position on scale 60, is prevented by a tab 63 struck rearward from plate .I2 and disposed to be contacted by a disc 65 of fiber or other sultable insulating material suitably secured on the outer face of arm 44. At its outerend arm 44 is provided, at the edge thereof toward stud 29 of arm 24, with a rearwardly extending finger 66 carrying a contact member 61 disposed for contact by member 21 when arm 24 is moved into cooperative relation to arm 44. The latter arm is further provided with a substantially L-shaped supplementary arm 68 secured to and electrically insulated from armv 44 in a known manner, a short distance from the inner end of the latter arm. A bowed element 69, in the nature of a leaf spring, extends upward from the inner end of arm 68 over arm 64 and is provided, at its forward end, with a contact member 10 which contacts the rearward face of a contact ring 1I mounted concentrically with bushing46 and electrically insulated therefrom and from plate I2. Ring 1I is provided with a tab 12 electrically connected in a suitable manner, as by means of a tubular rivet 13, to a conductor strip 14, conelectromagnet.

veniently formed of brass, mounted on the forward face of plate I 2 and electrically insulated therefrom in a known manner. Strip 'I4 is electrically connected, by a screw I3a, to spacing post I3, this screw being electrically insulated from plate I2 in a known manner, as is the post I3, as previouslly noted. Rivet I3 also is electrically insulated from plate I2, as shown in Figure 5. A second conducting strip 1S is mounted on the forward face of plate I2 and electrically insulated therefrom and electrically connected to spacing post I4 by a screw Ida, in the same manner as strip 141. Strip 'I6 is provided at its inner portion with an opening receiving setting shaft 45 and is clamped between a strip of insulation 'I'I and a nut I3 screwed upon the forward portion of bushing 45. It will be seen that the setting arm 44 and its associated supplementary arm 68 are thus electrically insulated from each other and from the front plate I2, while being electrically connected to the spacing posts I4 and I3, respectively. An arcuate leaf spring Si) is secured to the outer end of supplementary arm G8 and extends therefrom toward the driven contact arm 24. Spring 83 carries, at its free end7 a contact member 8| disposed to be contacted by contact member 28 in the movement of arm 24 into operative relation to the setting arm, contact members 3| and tl being the leading contac member and the following contact member, respectively, of the latter arm.

A clutch relay, designated generally 33, is suitably mounted on plate Il at the back thereof. This relay comprises an electromagnet 84 and a multiple contact switch 85 of knovm type, this switch having four leaf springs carrying two pairs of cooperating contact members for controlling certain circuits in a manner to be described presently. Electromagnet 84 is provided with a bracket alia riveted or otherwise suitably secured to a main mounting bracket $8 suitably secured, as by screw means, to plate at the back thereof. An armature arm 88 is pivotally mounted, at one end, in the other arm of bracket 84a adjacent plate II. Arm 88 carries an armature 39 movable to and from the core of electromagnet 84 and is provided, at its other end, with an extension S which underlies the free end portion of the inner or forwardrnost leaf spring of the switch 85. The latter leaf spring, which may be considered as the first leaf spring, and the third leaf spring of the switch, are of greater length than the second and the fourth springs and are spaced apart, at their free ends, by a spacer 9| of electrical insulating material secured to the first spring by means of a reduced stud fitting tightly through an opening in that spring. Extension 95 of armature arm 33 normally contacts plate I I, limiting movement of arm 83 away from the core of the electromagnet, and carries a pad 92 disposed to contact the stud of spacing member 9| upon movement of arm 8B toward the A tension spring 93, anchored at its ends to a finger 94 struck from bracket 8M and a finger 95 of arm 38, urges the latter about its pivot axis in a clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 2. In the normal position of armature arm S8 the contact members of switch 85 are spaced apart in circuit opening relation, as shown. When the electromagnet 84 is energized it attracts its armature 89, thus swinging arm 8S in counterclockwise direction and, by means of extension Sii and the parts associated therewith, moving the contact members of switch 85 into Contact one with the other for closing the circuits controlled by this switch.

A headed screw Gl passes loosely through lever 38, adjacent the outer end thereof, and through a relatively large opening 98 in plate II. This screw threads through armature arm 33, adjacent extension thereof, and is secured in adjustment by means of a jam nut 9S. When the clutch relay is energized, by energization of the electromagnet |34, the outer end of clutch level` 3,8 is moved toward plate II, serving to clutch contact arm 24 to disc 22 so that it is driven by the disc in clockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 4, and is thus moved from its initial position in opposition to torsion spring 3|); in the manner previously described.

A relay Iil, of known type, is mounted on plate I I at the back thereof and below motor I8. This relay is provided with four pairs of contacts of which the two forward pairs only are used for circuit controlling purposes, the movable contact members thereof normally being spaced away from the two fixed forward contact members, the two pairs of rearward contact members being utilized only as stops for limiting opening movement of the movable contact member carrying arms of the relay. A connector strip IGI is mounted on plate l2, by means of bracket |02, and carries suitable screws and associated clips for effecting the desired line and output connections. If desired, this strip and the associated screws and clips may be omitted and the desired connections may be effected by direct leads or conductors. A normally open push button switch |33, of known type, is mounted on plate I2 and extends rearward therefrom. Suitable leads are provided for effecting the desired circuit connections for the posts I3 and It, the motor, the relays, switch |63, and a resistor les, of known type, disposed adjacent the rearward face of plate I2 and having one terminal connected to one pole of switch ISS and having its other terminal connected to a terminal of relay Itl. If desired, certain of the terminal connections may be grounded to plate il, which may serve as a common ground therefor, in a 'manner well known in the art, or such terminal connections, instead of being grounded, may be connected to a common conductor, as in the diagram of Figure 9. Since the various circuits will be explained with reference to the diaphragm, it is unnecessary to state here the various leads and connections briey referred to above.

The timing mechanism above described is used in conjunction with a solenoid valve |05 (Figure 6) and a diaphragm switch b, both of known type. Preferably, the solenoid valve which I use is that known as the Penn solenoid valve, made by the Penn Electric Switch Co., of Goshen, Indiana. This Valve has certain features which render it particularly suitable for certain purposes, as will be pointed out presently. The solenoid valve |05 comprises a valve housing H38 upon the upper face of which is mounted a substantially cylindrical casing |93 enclosing solenoid Iii] of valve |05. The solenoid Il@ is disposed about a central tube III, which may be formed of brass, within which is slidably mounted a core H2 of suitable magnetic material, such as soft iron. This core is provided with a recess IES extending from its upper end for reception of head Illi at the upper end of a valve stem |l5 slidable through core H2. At its lower end valve stem I I5 is provided with a conical valve member i I6 adapted to seat in the upper end of a tubular seat member III screwing into valve housing |08, between inlet and outlet passages |09a and ||0a, respectively, thereof. Valve housing |08 is suitably bored and tapped from each end for reception of a threaded nipple screwed therein. A nipple is screwed into one end of valve housing |08 and receives, on its outer end, an exhaust elbow ||9 screwed thereon. A nipple is screwed into the other end of valve housing |08 and receives a reducer nipple |2| into which is screwed a coupling member |22, of known type, for coupling one end of a tube |23 to the inlet passage |09a. Tube of the solenoid valve |05 is secured in a flanged sealing nut |25 which screws into a suitable bore extending through the top wall of valve housing |08. The upper end of tube is closed and is provided with a reduced stud extending through the top of casing |09, the latter being secured in position by a washer |26 seating upon the top of the casing and a nut |21 screwing upon the stud f and bearing on the washer. Casing |09 is provided with an outwardly projecting lengthwise element |28 defining a channel, for reception of leads |29 and |30 extending from the terminals of solenoid ||0 and from element |28 downward through a neck |3| projecting from one side of valve housing |08, these terminals being led through an insulating bushing |32 suitably secured ink the outer or forward end of neck |3|.

Normally solenoid ||0 of valve |05 is deenergized, at which time the core |2 is in its lowered position with valve member ||6 seating in and closing the upper end of its associated seat member ||1, thus effectively closing communication between inlet passage |09a and exhaust passage ||0a of the valve housing |08. When solenoid ||0 is energized core ||2 moves upward within tube at considerable velocity, and in its upward movement strikes head ||4 of valve stem ||5 a sharp blow, thus assuringv quick opening of valve ||6. So long as solenoid ||0 remains energized, valve ||6 is held in its open position, by the core |2. This quick opening of the valve, and the holding of it in open position, is advantageous as assuring quick and complete exhaust of pressure iiuid from fluid pressure operated means appropriately connected to the inlet passage |09a of valve housing |08.

The diaphragm switch is provided with a diaphragm chamber comprising two opposed heads |35 and |36 bolted together as shown in Figure '7. A diaphragm |31, which may be formed of rubberized fabric or any other suitable material, is clamped between annular ribs |35a and |36a carried by the heads |35 and |36, respectively,

these ribs being spaced inward from the peripheries of the heads to accommodate the bolting means. A plunger |38, slidable through neck |39 of head |35, is provided at its lower end with a disc |40 which seats against diaphragm |31 at the central portion thereof, head |35 being provided with a recess |4| for reception of disc |40 in the raised position of the latter. Head |35 is further provided with a recess |42 concentric with plunger |38 and with recess |4|, which receives the upper base of an inverted frusto-conical compression spring |43 the lower base of which seats on the upper face of disc |40, this spring urging the dise and the plunger |38 downward into the lowered position shown in Figure '7. Neck |44 of head |36 is suitably bored and tapped for reception of the upper end of a nipple |45 screwed therein.

A disc |46 of electrical insulating material is suitably secured on the upper end of plunger |38 and carries, on its upper face, a contact ring |41. This ring is disposed to contact, in the raised position of plunger |38, two contact members |48 carried by a mounting strip |49 of insulating material, this strip being supported by spacing posts |50 seating at their lower ends upon head |35. Posts |50 are tubular and each receives an elongated screw |5| passing therethrough and through the ends of strip |49, these screws also passing through the heads |35 and |36 and receiving, on their lower ends, nuts |52. Mounting strip |49 is disposed diametrically of head |35 and is provided with a central opening which receives a guide stud |53, of reduced diameter, extending from the upper end of plunger |36. The contact members |48 have associated therewith suitable binding posts and washers, or equivalent means, and each has connected thereto one end of a lead |54, the other end of which is connected to a binding post carried by a mounting strip |56 of electrical insulating material, suitably mounted in the housing or casing 51. Mounting strip |56 also carries binding posts |51 and |58 to which leads |29 and |30, respectively, of the solenoid of valve |05 are connected. The binding posts of mounting strip |56 also are appropriately connected, by suitable leads, to the timing mechanism, as will appear more fully presently. The timing mechanism is suitably mounted within casing 51, as by means of a bracket |60, the solenoid valve |05 and the diaphragm switch being likewise mounted within casing 51 by means of suitable brackets |6| and |62, respectively. A socket member |63, of known type, is suitably mounted on one end wall of casing 51 and is connected by appropriate leads to a main switch |64, also of known type, suitably mounted on the end wall of the casing, it being understood that suitable connections are provided between this switch and the timing mechanism. Socket member |63 is adapted for reception of a plug cap |65, of known type, to which is connected a cable |66 for connecting the cap, and hence the socket member |63 and switch |64, to a suitable source of electrical energy, in a known manner. Red and green pilot lamps |61 and |68, respectively, are suitably mounted within casing 51 and provided with appropriate connections to the timing mechanism, it being understood that the cover 58 of the casing is provided with suitable openings permitting observation of these lamps.

The other end of tube |23 is connected, by means of a coupling member |19 and a fitting |1|, both of known type, to the neck of a T |12 the upper end of which is threaded upon the lower end of nipple |45. The lower end of T |12 receives a fitting |13, of known type, by means of which a tube |14 is connected to the T. The latter tube is shown, for purposes of illustration, as a length of flexible hose, though any other suitable conduit, such as a length of metal tubing, may be used. The other end of tube |14 is connected to the neck of a T |15 interposed in exhaust conduit |16|16a leading from pressure fluid operated means t0 an exhaust and inlet control valve assembly designated generally V. This valve assembly includes a push button b and a release lever l for admitting fluid under pressure to the fluid pressure operated means, through a conduit c, and exhausting pressure fluid from such means through the conduit |16|16a and the T |15, when release lever l is moved upward from its normal position shown in Figure 6. A normally closed push button switch |18 is suitably mounted on the valve assembly V, in such position that the button thereof will be contacted by a linger Z1 of the release lever Z, when this lever is moved upward, such movement of the release lever being accompanied by opening of the switch |13. The latter switch is provided for resetting the timing means after momentary operation of the controlled mechanism, in a manner and for a purpose which will be explained presently.

While the timing control of my invention may be used for many purposes, it is particularli7 suitable, in certain of its aspects, for use with a pressure fluid operated ironing press, and I have shown it, for purposes of illustration, as applied to such a press.

In Figure 10 there is illustrated a press P of known type, such as that disclosed in Patent No. 2,035,794, issued March 31, 1936, to Ernest Davis for Garment or ironing press. Brief reference to those parts of the press with which my invention is concerned will suffice, and it is not thought that any detailed description of the press is necessary. This press comprises a pivoted arm a carrying a head h movable toward and away from a buck z'. Arm a is urged in opening direction, that is, in a. direction to move the head away from the buck, by tension spring means s and is moved in closing direction, in opposition to the tension spring means, by toggle lever means t actuated by fluid pressure operated means comprising a cylinder 7c in which operates a piston having a rod r extending through one end of the cylinder and appropriately connected to the toggle lever system, the f other end of the cylinder being pivoted to the press frame. When button b of the control valve assembly V is depressed, fluid under pressure, usually air, is admitted to the cylinder 1c for closing the press, the admitted air being trapped in the cylinder and in the conduits communicating therewith. When the press is closed the toggle lever system is extended and locks the head h in its closed position. In order to open the press the pressure fluid should be exhausted quickly from cylinder lc, in order that the spring means s may act quickly to break the toggle and move the arm a into open position. It has been found that if the air or other pressure fluid is exhausted slowly, or bled, from the cylinder lc the spring means s does not exert a sharp pull or jerk suflicient to break the toggle, with the result that the press remains closed even through the pressure fluid is completely exhausted from the cylinder. My invention provides means whereby the operation of the press may be manually controlled in the usual'rnanner for closing the press and for momentarily opening it, when required, while assuring automatic opening of the press at the end of a predetermined time interval, upon completion of the pressing or ironing operation.

In the diagram of Figure 9 the control relay |06 has been shown as combined in a single unit of known type, in which the bridging contact members of the relay are held in circuit opening position by gravity, and the clutch relay 33 has been shown similarly, with a view to simplifying the diagram. Also, the motor and the disc driven thereby are shown as viewed from the back of the timing means, with the driven contact arm moved in counterclockwise direction, when clutched to the disc, from its initial position, this arm 24 also being shown as electrically connected through suitable brushes to a conductor ring which is connected by a lead to one of the line conductors. That connection for the arm 21| is the equivalent of the grounding of this arm and of other appropriate terminals and contacts of the system, the grounds referred to being replaced in the diagram by an appropriate line conductor, which is the equivalent of such grounds, for simplification of the diagram.

The operation of the timing control of my invention, as applied to the press of Figure 10, will be clearly understood from the diagram of Figure 9. The press is operated by compressed air and, when the press is open, there is no air trapped in the cylinder Ic under pressure above atmospheric. Accordingly, there is no pressure in the diaphragm chamber beneath the diaphragm |31 and the diaphragm which |06 is held in its lowered or open position by the compression spring H53, the bridging member or ring |61 of switch |66 then occupying the position shown in Fig. 9. At that time the relays 83 and |69 are both in circuit opening position, as shown, and the driven switch arm 24 is in its initial position and is declutched from disc 22. The setting arm of the timing means is adjusted to space the contact members 61 and 8| thereof the proper distance from the contact members 21 and 28, respectively, of arm 24, in accordance with the time period during which it is desired to maintain the press closed. Assuming that it is desired to have the press remain closed for ten seconds, the indicator 6| (Fig. 6) is turned to the 1G second position of the scale Sil on dial plate 59 at the front of the casing 51. When the main switch |64 is closed current will ow through the red pilot lamp |61, the circuit of which may be traced from the line conductor Li through lamp |61 and thence to the line conductor L2. There will be substantially no current new through the green pilot lamp |53 and the exhaust valve solenoid lit, due to the relatively high resistance of the latter. In order to close the press, button b is depressed, admitting compressed air to the cylinder 7c, the air thus admitted to the cylinder being trapped therein and in the air supply conduit c and the exhaust conduit VFS-|1601, and the T |15, compressed air also being trapped in the diaphragm chamber of the diaphragm switch beneath solenoid H0. That raises plunger |66 in opposition to the compression spring ill, thus closing the diaphragm switch |66. Closing of this switch energizes the solenoid of clutch relay 83, the circuit of which solenoid may be traced from line conductor L| through resistor 6d, contacts M3 and the bridging member of diaphragm switch |66, the solenoid, and thence to line conductor L2. When the solenoid of the clutch relay is thus energized, the bridging members of this relay are raised into circuit closing position, and the clutch lever ES is actuated and clutches the driven switch arm 2li to disc 22 in the manner previously described. Closing of the relay 83 closes the circuit of motor IS, which circuit may be traced from line conductor LI through the upper bridging contact member and the cooperating contact members of the clutch relay and then through the motor i8 to the other line conductor L2. Disc 22 is then driven by the motor l; and drives the switch arm 26| in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in Figure 9, at constant speed. Closing oi the clutch relay 83 also serves to close a holding circuit for this relay about diaphragm switch |06. The latter circuitl may be traced from the line conductor LI through resistor |04 to the left-hand contact member |48 of the diaphragm switch, thence through a lead |80 connected to the latter contact member, through lead |8| to the lower left fixed contact member of relay 83, through the lower bridging member of this relay to the right fixed contact member thereof, thence through a lead |82 and through the normally closed resetting switch |18 and a lead |83 to a lead |84 connected to the right hand xed contact |48 of diaphragm switch |06, and thence through the solenoid of clutch relay 83 to the other line conductor L2. In that manner the holding circuit for relay 83 is shunted around the diaphragm switch |06 so that this relay remains closed even if the diaphragm switch is opened. A second lead |85 connects the right hand contact member |48 of diaphragm switch |06 to one xed contact member of switch |03, lead |80 being connected to the other xed contact member of the latter switch. Closing of switch |03 has the same effect as closing of the diaphragm switch |06, but switch |03 normally remains open, being used for test purposes only, as will be explained presently.

Upon closing ofv the press switch arm 24 is drivenby disc 22 from its initial position toward the setting arm, this drive of the arm 24 being at constant speed and, if the press is not opened, continuous. When contact member 28 of arm 24 contacts the contact member 8| of the setting arm, the winding or solenoid of control relay is energized, the circuit of this solenoid being traced from line conductor` LI through the uppei` xed contacts and bridgingr member of the clutch relay 83, the solenoid of the control relay |00, thence to contact members 8| and 28, arm 24, and to the line conductor L2. That results in closing the control relay |00, and in establishing a holding circuit for` the latter relay through the upper bridging member thereof and the upper bridging member of clutch relay 83. The latter circuit may be traced from line conductor L|, the upper xed contact members and bridging contact member of clutch relay 83, lead |86, the solenoid of control relay |00, leads |81 and |88, the upper fixed contact members and bridging contact member of relay |00, and lead |89 to the line conductor L2. Accordingly, when contact member 28 passes out of contact with contact member 8|, in the continued drive of switch arm 24, the holding circuit for control relay |00 will remain closed through the upper bridging contact member o1' this relay connected in series with the solenoid of the latter and the upper bridging contact of clutch relay 83. Closing of relay |00 also closes the circuit of solenoid ||0 of the solenoid exhaust valve |05, this circuit being traced from line conductor LI through lead |90, the lower fixed Contact members and bridging member of relay |00, lead |9|, solenoid ||0 and lead |92 to the other line conductor L2. That also serves to close an effective circuit for the green pilot lamp |68, connected across leads |9| and |93, the latter extending from one pole of pilot lamp |61 to line conductor L2, the other pole of this lamp being connected by lead |94 to line conductor LI. When solenoid |I0 is thus energized valve member ||6 of the solenoid valve |05 is quickly raised into open position, in which position it is held by the solenoid I0, which remains energized so long as the clutch relay 83 remains closed. That assures quick exhaust of the compressed air, or other pressure uid, from the cylinder of the press, which is of importance as assuring opening of the press, as above pointed out. In the continued travel of switch arm 24, contact member 28 thereof passes out of contact with contact member 8|, after which contact member 21 is brought into Contact with contact member 61, which is connected by a lead to lead |84 in advance of the solenoid of clutch relay 83. That establishes a shunt circuit around the latter solenoid, through lead |95, contact members 61 and 21, arm 24 and thence to line conductor L2. As a result of the establishment of this shunt about the solenoid of relay 83, the latter is shunted down sufciently to cause opening of the latter relay, thus opening the circuit controlled by this relay, which also causes deenergizing of the solenoid of control relay |00, with resulting opening of the circuit controlled by the latter relay, including the circuit of the exhaust valve solenoid ||0, valve member ||6 then returning to its normal closed position. Also, when the solenoid of clutch relay 83 is shunted down in the manner stated, the switch arm 24 is declutched from disc 22 and is returned to its initial position, and the circuit of the green pilot lamp |68 is opened so that this lamp is no longer effectively illuminated. The various elements of the timing control are thus returned to their initial positions, the setting arm remaining in the position in which it has been set, and the cycle of operation may be repeated as often as desired or necessary.

It is customary, in laundries and similar establishments, to separate the different articles to be ironed and to iron all the articles of one kind before ironing any articles of another kind. For example, all shirts would be ironed or pressed before pressing any other articles. Assuming that it has been found by experience that, in order to obtain best results, a shirt should remain under pressure in the pressing machine for 10 seconds; the setting arm of the timing means will be adjusted for a l0 second time interval and will remain in that position until all of the shirts have been pressed. For pressing other article-s the setting arm will be adjusted for the time interval found most suitable for that particular type of article, this arm being capable of adjustment for any desired time period up to one minute. Obviously, the capability of the timing means with respect to the possible time intervals or periods represented by the graduations of the scale thereof may be varied greatly, to suit particular conditions, by driving the disc 22 at different speeds relative to the motor |8, in different timing means, which may readily be accomplished by using different reduction gearing providing for different gear ratios, as is well known.

It is sometimes desirable, when pressing or ironing certain articles, that the press be opened momentarily, after initial closing thereof, for straightening or folding a portion of the article or for other reasons. For example, in pressing a shirt having a pocket, it is the practice to close the press on the shirt to smooth it out, and then to immediately open the press in order that the pocket may be smoothed out, after which the press is closed and remains closed a proper length of time to assure thorough pressing and drying of that portion of the shirt within the press. It

is desirable that the short time required for straightening a shirt pocket or eifecting other adjustment of the article being ironed, be not deducted from the time interval during which the press should remain closed for effecting the pressing or ironing operation. As previously explained, depressing button b of the valve assembly V causes closing of the press, and upward movement of release lever Z causes opening of the press. Accordingly, the press may be manually controlled so as to be closed and then quickly opened momentarily. In the movement of lever l for opening the press, the normally closed resetting switch |78 is opened, thus interrupting the holding circuit of the solenoid of the clutch relay 83, which deenergizes the latter and declutches arm 24 from disc 22, permitting return of switch arm 24 to its initial position. Upon release of lever l and return thereof to its normal position, the resetting switch |18 is reclosed, thus reestablishing the holding circuit for clutch relay 83, so far as the resetting switch is concerned, Accordingly, when the diaphragm switch `It@ is again closed, responsive to reclosing of the press, the clutch relay 83 will be energized and closed, the holding circuit therefor will be reestablished and switch arm 24 will be clutched to disc 22 so as to be driven thereby. Accordingly, the press may be momentarily opened, after initial closing thereof, for adjustment of an article to be ironed or pressed, without interfering with proper timing of the press and the control means therefor in the ironing or pressing operation.

The timing control of my invention, while well suited for use with presses of the type herein referred to, may be used for many other purposes and is in no way limited to that specific use. It

will be understood that changes in construction and arrangement of parts of my invention may be resorted to, without departing from the field and scope thereof, and I intend to include all such variations, as fall within the scope of the appended claims, in this application, in which the preferred form only of my invention has been disclosed,

I claim:

1. In timing control means of the character described, a switch member normally occupying one position and movable therefrom to a second position, pressure responsive means for moving said member to its said second position, a normally closed valve for exhausting when open pressure liuid from said pressure responsive means, and means comprising a switch having an adjustable contact arm driven at constant speed in switch closing direction rendered operative responsive to movement of said switch member to its said second position for opening said valve at the end of a predetermined time interval.

2. In timing control means of the character described, a normally open switch, pressure responsive means for closing said switch, a normally closed valve for exhausting when open pressure fluid from said pressure responsive means, and means comprising a second switch having an adjustable contact arm driven at constant speed in switch closing direction rendered operative responsive to closing of said rst switch for opening said valve at the end of a predetermined time interval.

3. In timing control means of the character described, a normally open switch, pressure responsive means for closing said switch, a normally closed valve for exhausting when open pressure fluid from said pressure responsive means, a second switch comprising a driven contact arm yieldingly held in an initial position and movable therefrom in one direction and a setting contact arm adjustable in said one direction relative to said driven arm, means for moving said driven contact arm at constant speed in said direction responsive to closing of said first switch, and means for opening said exhaust valve and holding it open and thereafter releasing said driven contact arm and permitting return thereof to initial position and releasing said valve for closing thereof upon the movement of said driven contact arm into cooperative relation to said setting contact arm.

4. In timing control means of the character described, a normally open diaphragm switch closed by admission thereto of pressure fluid, a normally closed valve for exhausting when open pressure fluid from sai-d switch, an operating member, a second switch comprising a driven contact arm yieldingly held in an initial position and movable therefrom in one direction and a setting contact arm adjustable in said one direction relative to said driven arm, means for clutching said driven arm to said member and for driving the latter at constant speed and thereby moving said driven contact arm in said one direction responsive to closing of said first switch, and means for opening said exhaust valve and declutching said driven contact arm from said operating member upon the movement of said driven contact arm into cooperative relation to said setting contact arm.

5. In timing control means of the character described, a normally open switch, pressure responsive means for closing said switch, a normally closed valve for exhausting when open pressure fluid from said pressure responsive means, a second switch comprising a driven contact arm yieldingly held in an initial position and movable therefrom in one direction and a setting Contact arm adjustable in said one direction relative to said driven arm, means for moving said driven contact arm at constant speed in said direction responsive to closing of said first switch, means for opening said exhaust valve and releasing said driven contact arm for return thereof to initial position upon the movement of said driven contact arm into cooperative relation to said setting contact arm, and means for optionally releasing said driven contact arm for return thereof to initial position prior to movement of said driven arm into cooperative relation to said setting arm.

6. In timing control means of the character described, a normally open diaphragm switch closed by admission thereto of pressure fluid, a normally closed valve for exhausting when open pressure fluid from said switch, a rotatably mounted disc, a second switch comprising a driven contact arm movable about the axis of said disc yieldingly held in an initial position and movable therefrom in one direction and a setting contact arm adjustable about the axis of said disc in said one direction relative to said driven arm, a constant speed motor for driving said disc in said one direction, means for closing the circuit of said motor and clutching said driven contact arm to said disc responsive to closing of said diaphragm switch, and means for opening said valve and declutching said driven contact arm from said disc and opening the circuit of said motor, upon the movement of said driven contact arm into cooperative relation to said setting contact arm.

7. In timing control means of the character described, a normally open diaphragm switch closed by admission thereto of pressure fluid, a normally closed valve for exhausting when open pressure fluid from said switch, a rotatably mounted disc, a second switch comprising a driven contact arm movable about the axis of said disc yieldingly held in an initial position and movable therefrom in one direction and a setting contact arm adjustable about the axis of said disc in said one direction relative to said driven arm, a constant speed motor for driving said disc in said one direction, means comprising a relay for establishing a holding circuit for the latter around said diaphragm switch and closing the circuit of said motor and clutching said driven arm to said disc responsive to closing of said diaphragm switch, a second relay, and supplementary means for initially energizing said second relay through said first relay and opening said exhaust valve and then establishing a holding circuit for said second relay therethrough and thereafter effectively deenergizing said rst relay, upon the movement of said driven contact arm. into cooperative relation to said setting contact arm.

8. In timing control means of the character described, a normally open diaphragm switch closed by admission thereto of pressure fluid, a normally closed valve for exhausting when open pressure fluid from said switch, a rotatably mounted disc, a second switch comprising a driven contact arm movable about the axis of said disc yieldingly held in an initial position and movable therefrom in one direction and a setting contact arm adjustable about the axis of said disc in said one direction relative to said driven arm, a constant speed motor for driving said disc in said one direction, means comprising a relay for establishing a holding circuit for the latter around said diaphragm switch and closing the circuit of said motor and clutching said driven arm to said disc responsive to closing of said diaphragm switch, a second relay, supplementary means for initially energizing said second relay through said first relay and opening said exhaust valve and then establishing a holding circuit for said second relay therethrough and thereafter effectively deenergizing said first relay, upon the movement of said driven contact arm into cooperative relation to said setting contact arm, and a normally closed switch in the holding circuit for said first relay for optionally deenergizing the latter before said driven contact arm is moved into cooperative relation to said setting contact arm.

9. In timing control means of the character described, a normallyopen diaphragm switch closed by admission thereto of pressure fluid, a normally closed valve for exhausting when open pressure uid from said switch, a rotatably mounted disc, a second switch comprising a driven contact arm movable about the axis of said disc yieldingly held in an initial position and movable therefrom in one direction and a setting Contact arm adjustable about the axis of said disc in said one direction relative to said driven arm, a constant speed motor for driving said disc in said one direction, means comprising a relay for establishing a holding circuit for the latter around said diaphragm switch and closing the circuit of said motor and clutching said driven arm to said disc responsive to closing of said diaphragm switch, a second relay, supplementary means for 'initially energizing said second relay through said first relay and opening said exhaust valve and then establishing a holding circuit for said second relay therethrough and thereafter effectively deenergizing said first relay, upon the movement of said driven contact arm into cooperative relation to said setting Contact arm, a normally open switch shunting said diaphragm switch for optionally energizing said first relay when said diaphragm switch is open, and a normally closed switch in the holding circuit for said first relay for optionally deenergizing the latter before said driven contact arm is moved into cooperative relation to said setting contact arm.

l0. In timing control means of the character described, a normally open diaphragm switch closed by admission thereto of pressure fluid, a normally closed solenoid valve for exhausting when open pressure fluid from said diaphragm switch, a rotatably mounted disc, a second switch comprising a driven contact arm movable about the axis of said disc yieldingly held in an initial position and movable therefrom in one direction and a setting contact arm adjustable about the axis of said disc in said one direction relative to said driven arm, a constant speed motor for driving said disc in said one direction, means comprising a relay for establishing a holding circuit for the latter around said diaphragm switch and closing the circuit of said motor and clutching said driven arm to said disc responsive to closing of said diaphragm switch, a second relay for energizing the solenoid of said valve and opening the latter and holding it open, and supplementary means for initially energizing said second relay through said first relay and then establishing a holding circuit for said second relay therethrough and thereafter effectively deenergizing said first relay, upon the movement of said driven contact arm into cooperative relaion to said setting contact arm.

ll. In combination, a mechanism comprising a member moved into operative position by fluid pressure operated means, manually operated means for admitting and exhausing pressure fluid to and from said pressure operated means, a normally open diaphragm switch closed by admission thereto of pressure fluid, an exhaust conduit connecting said switch to said pressure operated means, a solenoid valve normally closing said conduit, means responsive to closing of said switch for opening said valve at the end of a predetermined time period comprising a driven contact arm normally occupying an initial position and movable therefrom in one direction and a cooperating setting contact arm adjustable in said one direction relative to said driven arm, and. means for optionally returning said driven arm to its initial position before it has been moved into cooperative relation to said setting arm.

12. In combination, a mechanism comprising a member moved into operative position by fluid pressure operated means, manually operated means for admitting and exhaust-ing pressure fluid to and from said pressure operated means, a normally open diaphragm switch closed by admission thereto of pressure fluid, an exhaust conduit connecting said switch to said pressure operated means, a solenoid valve normally closing said conduit, means for opening said valve at the end of a predetermined time period comprising a driven Contact arm normally occupying an initial position and movable therefrom in one direction and a cooperating .setting contact arm adjustable in said direction relative to said driven arm, means responsive to closing of said swilch for driving said driven arm at constant speed in said one direction comprising means for establishing a circuit around said switch, and means for optionally returning said driven arm to its initial position before it has been moved into cooperative relation to said setting arm.

13. In combination, a mechanism comprising a member moved into operative position by fluid pressure operated means, manually operated means for admitting and exhausting pressure uid to and from said pressure operated means, a normally open diaphragm switch closed by admission thereto of pressure fluid, an exhaust conduit connecting said switch to said pressure operated means, a solenoid valve normally closing said conduit, means for opening said valve at the end of a predetermined time period comprising a driven contact arm normally occupying an initial position and movable therefrom in one direction and a cooperating setting contact arm adjustable in said direction relative to said driven arm, means responsive to closing of said switch for driving said driven arm at a constant speed in said one direction comprising means for establishing a circuit around said switch, a normally open switch for optionally closing around said diaphragm switch the circuit controlled thereby, and means for optionally returning said driven arm to its initial position before it has been moved into cooperative relation to said setting arm.

MORRIS KERSTEN. 

